Bridgestone supports Durham University students’ World Solar Challenge entry with Enliten tyres
Student Bridgestone marketing executive Craig Adams (left) is pictured with Durham University student Anith Sathananthan in front of its catamaran-style car for the World Solar Challenge (Photo: Bridgestone)
Bridgestone is supporting a team of Durham University students as they take on the World Solar Challenge in Australia. The students designed a three-wheeled asymmetrical catamaran-style car for the 3,000km journey on 22-29 October, which will run on specially designed Bridgestone Enliten tyres. The Challenger Class car has been two years in development, with months of remote study and digital development taking place to firstly overcome the challenges of the global pandemic and eventually a sustainable vehicle with a cruising consumption of 1kWh.
The team sees Bridgestone’s Enliten tyre technology platform as a crucial feature of the car, helping it to increase range, ensure safety and performance, and improve the tyres’ sustainability characteristics. Enliten is a big part of Bridgestone’s strategy to ensure its tyres are EV-ready, anticipating the coming growth in electric cars.
Durham University’s creation features a 5kWh battery pack – enough to drive for 350km on a single charge – asymmetrical double wishbone suspension to achieve the ideal steering geometry and a micro-pyramid surface on the solar array to improve its efficiency. Carbon fibre lightweight wheels have replaced previous aluminium versions, while an induction cooling feature helps regulate temperatures the long drive across Australia.
Bridgestone says its involvement in the World Solar Challenge reflects its sustainability strategy and its commitment to supporting the development of new technologies to reduce its carbon footprint. For the competition, it will equip Durham University with Bridgestone tyres that make use of pioneering technologies capable of enhancing the performance of their solar powered vehicle.
“We are proud to support the World Solar Challenge, and to be a part of the effort to drive innovation and sustainability in the transportation sector,” said Andrea Manenti, vice president, Bridgestone North. “Through our sponsorship and support of Durham University Solar Car, we aim to inspire and support the next generation of engineers and leaders, who will play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable mobility.”
The Durham University World Solar Challenge team (Photo: Bridgestone)
Prinx Chengshan
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